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How to ensure your car runs smoothly in winter weather

Experts say keeping an eye on your car’s battery can make a major difference in keeping it running safely in the cold.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — As cars drive along snowy roads, tow truck drivers are on standby waiting to help drivers in need.

“I didn’t go to sleep until 1:00 a.m. last night; I was kind of waiting," said Patrick Ray, a tow truck driver. "You don’t know, I could fall asleep and get woken up an hour later.”

South-central Pa. was under a winter weather advisory for most of Tuesday, as several inches of snow blanketed the region. 

While many residents are enjoying the snow, Patrick Ray said he and his crew at Mike's Towing and Recovery Inc. in York have been staying busy responding to calls throughout the day.

“[As of this morning], I think we’ve had three car crashes on I-83 and three or four tractor-trailers," said Ray.

In Camp Hill, A and M Auto Care Center is seeing an influx of calls due to the winter weather, with many being from people who couldn't get their car started in their driveway.

“Before this week, we had a lot of phone calls about batteries, starters, and alternators," said Chris Mihalaki, the manager of A and M Auto Care Center. "This week has added to that.”

Mihalaki said it’s important for drivers to know when their battery was last replaced. He added that older batteries are likely to have trouble starting in colder temperatures.

Doni Lee Spiegel with AAA Central Pa. said drivers can also save power on their battery by keeping all car lights and the heater off when starting the car.

“That way you’re not pulling as much power from the battery when you’re trying to start the car," explained Spiegel.

If you are driving and end up in car trouble during a snowstorm, it’s best to get as far off to the side of the road as possible and remain in your car until you can get assistance.

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